Can I perform abroad on F1 visa?

New Member

I am a self-employed musician from the EU going to start a doctoral program in the US on an F1 visa.

I have a few overseas concerts outside of the US planned for the rest of the year, for which contracts have been signed before my place as a doctoral student had been confirmed. None of them are in the US.

As the F1 is a non-immigrant visa, I will be forced to maintain a residence in my EU country of birth and continue to pay taxes there for all income from concerts.

I have checked with my professors and they will allow me to fly away for a few days to perform these concerts.

Similarly, I know for a fact that others have done this before me.

Is this allowed or were these other musicians simply working illegally?